MMA News

Sonnen vs. Shogun not happening at UFC 161 due to reported visa issues

Despite reports on Monday that Chael Sonnen (27-13-1 MMA, 6-6 UFC) would be stepping in for the injured Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) against Shogun Rua (21-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC 161, that fight will not be happening.

The UFC announced late Monday night that Shogun Rua was still without an opponent and had been removed from the June 15 card in Winnipeg.

It was reported that visa issues created problems for Mr. Sonnen to get across the Canadian border, and therefore the fight was put off.

“Tonight I was home with my team studying the fights of my new opponent for UFC 161 when I got the sad news that Chael Sonnen can’t make it to the event,” stated Shogun.

It is rumored that the Sonnen vs. Shogun fight could still come to fruition on August 17 at UFC on FOX Sports 1 in Boston.

UFC officials stated that UFC 161 would continue forward with 11 fights, and that Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac has now been moved up to the main card.

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